The Solace of Storytelling

On Monday 9th September we were delighted to welcome Sally Gardner, award-winning author of ‘Maggot Moon’, chosen for the School’s Big Read for KS3.

Sally shared the solace that storytelling provided during her own education with an enraptured Years 8, 9 and 10. A storyteller from a young age, Sally, never dreamt she could become an author because of her dyslexia. The popularity of her novels, which often feature dyslexic characters, combined with her own inspiring journey, are a testament to her determination never to give up.

The accomplished author shocked students when she revealed, “I told myself stories all the time, but the one thing I thought I couldn’t do, was write those down.” After struggling to succeed in school, Sally spoke about her turnaround as she “went from the bottom to the top” as a student of Art. It was here that she crossed paths with a supportive mentor who encouraged her to believe in her writing ability.

Sally went on to explain the historical events which inspired ‘Maggot Moon’ and also sparked the question ‘What if?’ these things had not happened. She captivated the audience with a powerful reading from the novel and answered questions from the floor. However, she refused to answer the question about what happened to Standish and Hector at the end – that was left for each reader to decide for themselves. Her talk finished with a preview of her upcoming novel ‘Invisible in a Bright Light’ which is set in a nineteenth century Opera House.

Over lunch she talked about how ‘Maggot Moon’ had been received around the world and in particular the different responses to Standish and Hector’s kiss. The author was intrigued to discover Leighton Park’s own reflections on the book as she read post-it note reviews from students and staff, covering the library walls.

Students were delighted to have their books signed, before the author led a writers’ workshop with a group of Year 10 students. Sally explored character development and shared her own technique of starting with the shoes, which she finds helps to ground and fashion a character. She then invited the students to meet up with each other’s characters and develop a scenario where together they discover a dead body. There was animated discussion as the students shared ideas and some entertaining readings and re-enactments. The session encouraged methods of expression for the group to develop and apply in future English coursework and inspired students by focusing not on the importance of spelling and grammar to define good writing, but finding a ‘voice’.

Librarian, Chris Routh said “I hope that those students who haven’t had a chance to read ‘Maggot Moon’ yet will now be inspired to give it a go, and that others will try out some of Sally’s other fantastic books which are available in the Library.” These books include ‘The Red Necklace’ and ‘The Silver Blade’, both set during the French Revolution, and ‘Tinder’ inspired by ‘The Tinderbox’; a fairy-tale which she felt had all the ingredients to question the nature of war today.

In October, Year 8 will continue to explore ‘Maggot Moon’ as they watch the stage adaptation by Jemma Kennedy in London, linking with their upcoming work on stage adaptations of novels.